5.1 Plating/coating Processes—This test method provides a means by which to detect possible hydrogen embrittlement of steel parts during manufacture by verifying strict controls during production operations such as surface preparation, pretreatments, and plating/coating. It is also intended to be used as a qualification test for new plating/coating processes and as a periodic inspection audit for the control of a plating/coating process.

5.2 Service Environment—This test method provides a means by which to detect possible hydrogen embrittlement of steel parts (plated/coated or bare) due to contact with chemicals during manufacturing, overhaul and service life. The details of testing in a service environment are found in Annex A5.

1.1 This test method describes mechanical test methods and defines acceptance criteria for coating and plating processes that can cause hydrogen embrittlement in steels. Subsequent exposure to chemicals encountered in service environments, such as fluids, cleaning treatments or maintenance chemicals that come in contact with the plated/coated or bare surface of the steel, can also be evaluated.

1.2 This test method is not intended to measure the relative susceptibility of different steels. The relative susceptibility of different materials to hydrogen embrittlement may be determined in accordance with Test Method F1459 and Test Method F1624.

1.3 This test method specifies the use of air melted SAE 4340 steel (Grade A, see 7.1.1) per SAE AMS 6415 (formerly SAE AMS-S-5000 and formerly MIL-S-5000) or an alternative VAR (Vacuum Arc Remelt) SAE 4340 steel (Grade B, see 7.1.1) per SAE AMS 6414, and both are heat treated to 260 to 280 ksi (pounds per square inch ×1000) as the baseline. This combination of alloy and heat treat level has been used for many years and a large database has been accumulated in the aerospace industry on its specific response to exposure to a wide variety of maintenance chemicals, or electroplated coatings, or both. Components with ultimate strengths higher than 260 to 280 ksi may not be represented by the baseline. In such cases, the cognizant engineering authority shall determine the need for manufacturing specimens from the specific material and heat treat condition of the component. Deviations from the baseline shall be reported as required by 12.1.2. The sensitivity to hydrogen embrittlement shall be demonstrated for each lot of specimens as specified in 9.5.

Note 1: Extensive testing has shown that VAR 4340 steel may be used as an alternative to the air melted steel with no loss in sensitivity.2

Note 2: VAR 4340 also meets the requirements in AMS 6415 and could be used as an alternative to air melt steel by the steel suppliers because AMS 6415 does not specify a melting practice.

1.4 Test procedures and acceptance requirements are specified for seven specimens of different sizes, geometries, and loading configurations.

1.5 Pass/Fail Requirements—For plating/coating processes, specimens must meet or exceed 200 h using a sustained load test (SLT) at the levels shown in Table 3.

1.5.1 The loading conditions and pass/fail requirements for service environments are specified in Annex A5.

1.5.2 If approved by the cognizant engineering authority, a quantitative, accelerated (≤ 24 h) incremental step-load (ISL) test as defined in Annex A3 may be used as an alternative to SLT.

1.6 This test method is divided into two parts. The first part gives general information concerning requirements for hydrogen embrittlement testing. The second is composed of annexes that give specific requirements for the various loading and specimen configurations covered by this test method (see section 9.1 for a list of types) and the details for testing service environments.

1.7 The values stated in the foot-pound-second (fps) system in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.

1.8 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.9 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.